Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Limerick

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland
September 5, 2012

http://www.safeguarding.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Diocese_of_Limerick.pdf

[with pdf]

Recommendation 1

 The Administrator and the Director of Safeguarding should consult with NBSCCCI to ensure that the redrafted policy and procedures adhere to national guidelines.

 The Administrator and the Director of Safeguarding must ensure that awareness-raising of the diocesan policy and procedures takes place, and that implementation of the redrafted procedures is audited on an annual basis.

The review team met two diocesan priests, one directly involved in safeguarding and one a parish priest with responsibilities within his parish for safeguarding children. They both stated their continued commitment to ensuring the safety of children in the Church, but felt that the scandals of the last few years, the loss of their bishop and constant negative media attention contributed to their lack of confidence in working with children. They feel that the appointment of a lay safeguarding director has helped give them an assurance that the policies, procedures and systems in the diocese are effective, but that it will take